1. The Foreign Ministry hosted a side event themed “The Power of Partnerships: Finding Inclusive Solutions for Sustainable Societies” at the UN headquarters, New York, on July 17 on the margins of a UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF).

※ The UN HLPF is held on an annual basis to follow up on and review the progress in the implementation of “the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted at the UN in 2015. Its 2018 round is under way in New York from July 9 till 18.

2. Lately, the international community, in view of the private sector’s innovation and financial resources as indispensable elements for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), has actively been seeking private-public partnership. In keeping with this, the Republic of Korea government has organized the side event to share with the international community relevant model cases and explore ways to step up partnership.

3. The event brought together some 70 people, including such senior government officials of the ROK as Minister of Environment Kim Eun-kyung and Ambassador to the UN Cho Tae-yul; representatives from Korean companies contributing to sustainable development of developing countries and other major partners; and delegates from governments of other countries and UN agencies.

° Minister Kim Eun-kyung delivered congratulatory remarks, in which she highlighted the importance of the role of enterprises in the efforts to create sustainable societies and expressed hope that the side event and other such opportunities would help to enhance corporate responsibility and role.

° Ambassador Cho Tae-yul, calling the SDGs not achievable only with governments’ efforts, stressed that in light of the ROK’s economic and social development experiences, the private sector and civil society’s roles were particularly important in seeking inclusive solutions for sustainable societies.

4. At the event, such Korean companies as POSCO, KT and Tree Planet informed other participants of various projects they were conducting in developing countries together with the government and other partners in a way that social and business values were in harmony. In response, major international partners evaluated and commended these projects.

5. Going forward, the ROK government, in innovative partnership with enterprises and new development actors, will continue implementing development cooperation in a way that supports developing countries’ efforts to attain an inclusive and sustainable development and growth.

* unofficial translation